The 2024-25 goalie free-agent class could see a significant change soon as the New York Rangers work on extending Igor Shesterkin’s contract. In a recent interview with RG.org, Shesterkin addressed the potential new deal, saying, “My agent, Maxim Moliver, is in discussions with the general manager. I have nothing more to add. My priority right now is to focus on preparing for the season and being fully ready mentally and physically. We have an exciting season ahead, and my agent will take care of the contract.”
Like many elite players, the 28-year-old Russian goaltender is leaving the contract negotiations to his agent. Shesterkin has had an outstanding five-year run in New York, posting a 135-59-17 record in 208 starts, along with a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average. His current four-year, $22.67 million contract expires after the 2024-25 NHL season, at which point he would become one of the most sought-after free-agent goaltenders in recent memory.
HockeyReference notes that Shesterkin’s early career statistics compare favorably with goaltending legends like Roberto Luongo, Connor Hellebuyck, and Sergei Bobrovsky, all of whom secured lucrative contracts. Shesterkin is expected to command a salary similar to or exceeding these figures in his next deal.
The Moscow native will likely aim for more than $8.5 million per season, especially given that Hellebuyck secured an $8.5 million AAV over seven years with the Winnipeg Jets last summer. Earlier this year, Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic speculated that Shesterkin might seek as much as $12 million annually, potentially setting a new benchmark for goaltenders. While the Rangers could meet that demand, they also have other significant contracts to navigate next summer.
Realistically, Shesterkin’s next deal could land between $9 million and $11 million annually, with Evolving-Hockey projecting a salary of $9.455 million on an eight-year contract. With his agent leading the negotiations, talks may extend well into the 2024-25 NHL season. However, the Vezina Trophy-winning goalie remains confident that a deal will be reached before he becomes a free agent next offseason.